# IMF raises growth forecast but warns of AI and debt risks

> The International Monetary Fund upgraded its 2026 outlook to 3.1% growth but flagged artificial intelligence speculation and rising debt as threats to stability.
- Title: IMF raises growth forecast but warns of AI and debt risks
- Summary: The International Monetary Fund upgraded its 2026 outlook to 3.1% growth but flagged artificial intelligence speculation and rising debt as threats to…
- Keywords: international monetary fund, global economy, artificial intelligence, economic growth, debt, kristalina georgieva, IMF, raises, growth, forecast, warns, risks
- Source: Fastcompany — https://fastcompany.com/91622799/imf-boosts-global-economy-growth-outlook-risks-ai-debt
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: international monetary fund, global economy, artificial intelligence, economic growth, debt, kristalina georgieva
## IMF upgrades global growth forecast
The International Monetary Fund raised its outlook for world economic growth to three point one percent this year, up from its July forecast of three point zero percent.
## Growth expected to rebound in 2027
The IMF predicts global growth will slow to below twenty twenty-five levels this year but rebound to three point four percent in twenty twenty-seven.
## US growth stays steady
Growth in the United States will remain steady at two point three percent in both twenty twenty-six and twenty twenty-seven, according to the IMF report.
## Advanced economies slow next year
Advanced economies will grow two point one percent this year, up from two point zero percent in twenty twenty-five, then slow to one point nine percent growth in twenty twenty-seven.
## Oil prices drive the forecast
The IMF based its forecasts on a nearly forty-one percent increase in oil prices this year, averaging ninety-six dollars a barrel.
## Inflation expected to fall
Global inflation is foreseen at four point seven percent in twenty twenty-six, falling to four point one percent in twenty twenty-seven.
## AI boom has uneven benefits
The artificial intelligence boom is offsetting damage from higher oil and gas prices, but its benefits are not shared equally across countries.
## US and China dominate AI demand
The United States and China account for more than three-quarters of net demand for imports of computer chips and other AI-related equipment.
## Growth concentrated in 32 countries
Just thirty-two countries now account for ninety-five percent of global growth, compared with fifty-four countries as of April.
## AI correction poses stock market risk
An AI-related correction in stock markets is one of several risks identified by the IMF, along with rising bond yields and cyberthreats.
## AI threatens forty percent of jobs
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said AI's impact on jobs globally is estimated at around forty percent, with jobs either augmented, downgraded or eliminated.

> The impact over time on jobs globally we estimate to be around 40%, jobs either augmented or downgraded or eliminated.
## Developing economies face slower growth
Developing economies and emerging markets vulnerable to higher oil and gas costs will see growth slow to three point seven percent this year from four point five percent in twenty twenty-five.
## Middle East and Central Asia contract
The Middle East and Central Asia economies are expected to contract this year before recovering to six point three percent growth in twenty twenty-seven.
## India remains fastest-growing major economy
India is forecast to be the world's fastest-growing major economy, advancing at a seven percent clip, down from seven point seven percent last year.
## IMF urges debt reduction efforts
Kristalina Georgieva is urging countries to improve their national finances and tame mounting levels of debt, especially at a time of high borrowing costs.
## Key takeaway

The IMF raised its global growth forecast to three point one percent for twenty twenty-six but warned that AI investment concentration and mounting debt pose significant economic risks.